Welcome to Joetsu-Myoko, Japan

Discover the Unknown

The Joetsu-Myoko region is located in southern Niigata prefecture, one of the prefectures facing Japan sea and lying 300 kilometers northwest from Tokyo. It is less than two hours from Tokyo on the new Hokuriku bullet train to our station, JoetsuMyoko.

Here you can find the best that Japan has to offer – food, skiing, culture, mountains and sea.

Come and discover the unknown!

This site is presently under construction

Culture

Situated in the south of Niigata Prefecture, Joetsu-Myoko is a place to discover the unknown, where nostalgic scenery depicted in songs like Furusato and Oborozukiyo can still be found. Amidst the region's rich natural landscape, a unique history and culture, sense of tradition, and kindness has flourished. With elegant streets lined with temples, deep forests and highlands, and specialty produce each season, the area is full of charming attractions.

Food

Many rice fields were developed in the area during the Edo Period by the lord based at Takada Castle. Those rice fields still form a large part of the Joetsu-Myoko countryside and produce the famous koshihikari rice. This is regarded as the best rice in all of Japan - and as a result, it's best sake (rice wine) too. Everywhere visitors can always enjoy fresh vegetables direct from the local fields or the freshest seafood direct from the Japan Sea.

Outdoors

In spring, 4,000 cherry trees bloom in Takada Park beneath Takada castle where visitors can enjoy "hanami" - where people gather to view cherry blossoms, drink and eat. In summer, the local beaches are popular. Joetsu-Myoko is the birthplace of skiing in Japan and you can enjoy winter sports in the Myoko mountains. There are also numerous hot springs in the area. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling and much more!

History

From ancient times there had been strong provincial government in the area and has been the center of Echigo state politics before the Meiji Reformation. In the Sengoku Period in medieval times, Kenshin Uesugi, who was one of Japan's strongest military commanders, was based in Kasugayama castle. Even after several hundred years, he is still the local hero with locals celebrating his spirit of "gi", or justice. Takada castle was established in early Edo period.